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To Occur vs Occurring Infinitives & Gerunds

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Notes from a Native English Speaker

Infinitives: An infinitive is the base form of a verb, usually preceded by the word "to" (e.g., to swim, to eat, to learn). It can function as a noun, adjective, or adverb in a sentence. Infinitives are often used to express intentions, purposes, desires, or potential actions. Gerunds: A gerund is the -ing form of a verb (e.g., swimming, eating, learning). It’s different from a “present participle” which functions as a verb tense. A gerund can be the subject, object, or complement of a sentence.

When and How to Use Each Expression?

Get a sense of when and how each expression can be used through the following examples!

To occur (Infinitive)

Purpose or Intention: Use the infinitive "to occur" when you want to express a purpose, intention, desire, or potential action

Example

I want to occur at the event to show my support.

Occurring (Gerund)

Activity or Experience: Use the gerund "occurring" when you want to refer to the activity itself or the experience as a noun.

Example

Occurring frequently can be a sign of a problem.

Where can infinitives/gerunds be placed in a sentence?

To occur (Infinitive)

  • 1Subject

    To occur is beyond our control.

    To occur is beyond our control.

    • "*To occur*" serves as the subject of the sentence.
    • Infinitive phrase (subject) + verb (is) + prepositional phrase (beyond our control).
  • 2Object

    She expects the meeting to occur next week.

    She expects the meeting to occur next week.

    • "The meeting *to occur* next week" is the object of the verb "expects."
    • Noun (She) + verb (expects) + noun phrase (the meeting *to occur* next week).
  • 3Adjective Modifier

    I need a reminder to occur before the deadline.

    I need a reminder to occur before the deadline.

    • "*To occur* before the deadline" modifies the noun "reminder."
    • Noun (I) + verb (need) + noun phrase (a reminder *to occur* before the deadline).

Occurring (Gerund)

  • 1Subject

    Occurring unexpectedly can be alarming.

    Occurring unexpectedly can be alarming.

    • "*Occurring* unexpectedly" is the subject of the sentence.
    • Gerund (subject) + verb (can be) + adjective phrase (alarming).
  • 2Object

    I enjoy occurring in different locations.

    I enjoy occurring in different locations.

    • "*Occurring* in different locations" is the object of the verb "enjoy."
    • Noun (I) + verb (enjoy) + gerund (*occurring* in different locations).
  • 3Object of Preposition

    She has a fear of occurring in public.

    She has a fear of occurring in public.

    • "Of *occurring* in public" is the object of the preposition "of."
    • Noun phrase (She) + verb (has) + noun phrase (a fear of *occurring* in public).

Verbs Taking Infinitives/Gerunds as Objects

The following are verbs that can take only the base form of the verb (infinitive), only the -ing form (gerund), or both.

Verbs Taking Infinitives as Objects

Example

They plan to occur in the morning.

I hope to occur during the conference.

He wants to occur on time.

We decided to occur in the evening.

They agreed to occur simultaneously.

Verbs Taking Gerunds as Objects

Example

They enjoy occurring in nature.

Experts recommend regular occurring for better health.

I dislike the idea of occurring without any warning.

He avoids occurring in dangerous situations.

Can you imagine occurring in a dream?

Verbs Taking Both Infinitives and Gerunds as Objects

Example

She likes to occur during important events. She likes occurring during important events.

We started to occur more frequently. We started occurring more frequently.

He began to occur unexpectedly. He began occurring unexpectedly.

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